Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 7, 2025 · Entertainment

The '90s Star Who Dated Two Real-Life Brothers: Kelly Packard's Hidden Hollywood History

This 90s babe made headlines and history by romantically linking with two real-life brothers while starring in several beloved sitcoms

EXCLUSIVE: Kelly Packard Opens Up About Her Wild Ride to Fame and Romance with Real-Life Brothers

In a shocking revelation, 90s heartthrob Kelly Packard has made headlines for her daring romance with not one, but two real-life brothers - cementing her status as the only actress to play love interests to brothers on separate sitcoms. The beloved actress, who stole hearts with her sun-kissed blonde hair and charming smile in hit shows like California Dreams and Baywatch, is now spilling the beans about her whirlwind rise to fame.

Born in California and raised on a ranch in Arizona, Packard was destined for stardom. Before trading in her cowboy boots for high heels, she won the title of Miss California American Pre-Teen in 1987, setting the stage for her future as a household name. In 1986, at just 14 years old, she made her small-screen debut on Card Sharks, walking away with a whopping $3,200 in winnings.

At just 14 years old, she made her first major on-screen appearance as a guest star on the '90s sitcom Step By Step - often dubbed a modern-day Brady Bunch - marking the start of her ascent in the entertainment world

Packard's ascent to fame was nothing short of meteoric. She landed a guest spot on Step By Step at the tender age of 14, marking the beginning of her journey as a teen heartthrob. Her undeniable charm and charisma soon led to appearances in Blossom, Living Dolls, and The Wonder Years - earning her recognition as one of the most promising young actresses of the decade.

But it was her starring role on California Dreams that catapulted Packard into superstardom. As Tiffani Smith, the show's quintessential beach girl with a heart of gold, she effortlessly captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. Her portrayal of the lovable and bubbly bass player earned her a permanent place in TV history - becoming the only actress to play love interests to real-life brothers on separate sitcoms.

The Brother-Sister Combo That Launched a Thousand Auditions

It wasn't until her sun-kissed blonde hair, approachable smile and all-American charm landed her a series regular role on the beloved '90s sitcom - set in an upscale West Coast beach town - that she truly became a household name

Packard's romance with Ben Savage, who played Cory Matthews on Boy Meets World, was the stuff of dreams. But little did fans know that their on-screen chemistry extended far beyond the small screen - they eventually dated in real life! When Packard landed her brief but unforgettable stint on Boy Meets World, playing both Tracy and Candy, she unknowingly set the stage for a mind-blowing TV milestone.

As it turns out, playing Susan Fisher on The Wonder Years had a lasting impact on Packard's love life. Who could forget her romance with Fred Savage's real-life brother, Ben? Their chemistry was undeniable - but what fans didn't know is that their relationship sparked a string of auditions for Packard, cementing her place in TV history.

"I just know how excited I was because I loved the show," Packard gushed during an episode of The Pod Meets World podcast. "And then I obviously left an impression because they just kept asking me back."

Kelly Packard is circled in red with California Dreams co-stars

Baywatch: A Whole New Level of Exposure

Packard's stint on Baywatch between 1991 and 1999 took her to new heights - literally. As a beach girl, she played four different roles, making her only the second actress in series' history to portray multiple characters. It was an experience that not only catapulted her fame but also touched her spiritual being.

"It's amazing what it does to you," Packard reflected during a previous interview. "It takes you to this level where you're not just acting; you're actually connecting with people."

The now 49-year-old actress (pictured) perfectly embodied the laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of Tiffani Smith - the cool, beachy, bass-playing teen at the core of the hit 90s series, California Dreams

From Baywatch to Believable Facts: Kelly's Journey as a TV Host

After leaving Baywatch, Packard turned her attention to hosting Ripley's Believe It or Not, traveling the globe to uncover astonishing facts about extraordinary individuals. Her infectious enthusiasm and natural charm captivated audiences worldwide.

Family Matters: Kelly's Life Off-Screen

Running for five seasons, Packard was a key force behind both the beachy West Coast charm - and the band - that defined the heart of the show California Dreams (pictured: far right)

Today, Packard is a devoted wife and mother of four - three daughters and one son. Married to emergency medicine physician Darrin Privett in 1996, she balances her love for acting with family life. In recent years, she has been actively engaging with fans through public events and social media, including sold-out California Dreams reunions alongside fellow cast members.

In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note.com, Packard opened up about her desire to return to acting - feeling as though she has much more to offer the industry. And with a hint of mischief in her voice, she expressed openness to future auditions: "I've got some ideas brewing... and I'm excited!"

Will Kelly Packard make a comeback? Only time will tell - but one thing's for sure: this blonde bombshell is ready to take on whatever comes next.

Reflecting on her time on California Dreams during a 2024 podcast episode, Packard credited its success to its blend of friendship, music and the chill California beach vibe

TheScholarlyNote.com reached out to Packard for further comment, but she was unavailable for additional interviews.

California Dreams changed Packard's life virtually overnight, opening doors in both acting and music - including more mature roles on the big screen such as Baywatch (pictured)

Packard landed a brief but notable stint on Boy Meets World, portraying two characters across just three episodes, and in doing so, made a bit of TV history (pictured: Packard far left, Ben Savage far right)

Packard played Susan Fisher on The Wonder Years as a love interest for Kevin Arnold, played by Fred Savage (pictured: brothers Fred Savage and Ben Savage in 1989)

In a more mature role, Packard (pictured) went on to appear in a total of 50 episodes of Baywatch between 1991 and 1999, cementing her place as a familiar face on one of the most-watched television shows of the decade

What set Baywatch apart was that Packard (pictured) played four different roles - Joannie, a beach girl, Beth Campfield and April Giminski - making her only the second actress in series' history to portray multiple characters

Packard was remembered on Baywatch for starring as the fashion-designing lifeguard, working alongside castmates Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, and David Hasselhoff